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- Week 9. Lets go.
Week 9. Lets go.

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Toledo’s skies are getting louder this weekend—and not just because my wife and I are bracing for baby number two.
The Toledo Air Show returns with a full-throttle lineup, drawing aviation fans and families alike to witness jaw-dropping aerial stunts. On the ground, BGSU’s Harold Fannin Jr. was drafted by the Cleveland Browns. You ever wonder if these guys really wish they would of been drafted somewhere warm? Miami, Arizona, Jacksonville….C’mon.
As for our household? We’re counting down to a different kind of launch—baby #2 is due any day, and yes, we’ve already “drafted” a budget for diapers and college tuition. Unless one of our sons gets drafted to the Browns.
Let’s jump into the week’s business, minus the turbulence.
Here is this week’s call to action…FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
Know someone who loves coffee? More specifically The Flying Joe we are giving away a $50 gift to the Flying Joe. Do you know how much coffee that can buy you today? Okay…inflation yes…but don’t give me any of that tariff crap. Your coffee is safe with us and the Flying Joe. Winner announced on May 10th so go now!
Local Stock Market 📉
Owens Corning | $OC ( ▲ 0.69% )
Dana Incorporated | $DAN ( ▲ 2.61% )
The Andersons | $ANDE ( ▲ 1.73% )
Owens Illinois | $OI ( ▲ 2.26% )
Welltower Inc. | $WELL ( ▲ 0.52% )
Marathon Petroleum Corporation | $MPC ( ▲ 1.56% )
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company | $CTB ( ▼ 0.05% )
Bloom & Brew | Coffee in Full Blossom 💐
Queen Bee & Honey Coffee isn’t just a place to get your caffeine fix – it’s a masterclass in brand storytelling, blending business savvy with heartfelt legacy. Nestled in the heart of Hoen's Garden Center in Holland, Ohio, this café offers more than just lattes and americanos. It’s where fresh brews meet fresh blooms, turning your morning cup into a full sensory experience.
The name itself carries a deeper meaning. "Queen Bee" honors Theresa Hoen’s daughter, Steph, who tragically passed away from ovarian cancer, while "Honey" is a tribute to her late husband, Bob. Together, these names symbolize resilience, love, and the power of community – not just a marketing hook, but a mission statement steeped in personal history.
On a recent visit, my family and I got the full experience. My daughter and I wandered through the rows of vibrant flowers, learning about “Timmy the Turtle” from Theresa herself, while my wife secured our coffees and Barry's bagels (a smart local partnership that keeps customers coming back for more). In the 45 minutes we spent there, at least 30 others came and went – proof that Queen Bee & Honey has tapped into something special.
If you’re looking for a spot that blends business with purpose, and serves a mean cup of joe alongside your morning mindfulness, this is it. Just be warned – you might leave with a coffee buzz and a few new plants you never knew you needed.
High Paying Jobs of the 419

Our shortcut to stacking more cheddar without leaving Northwest Ohio.
We’ve combed through the noise and handpicked a shortlist of high-paying opportunities right here in the 419. Whether you’re looking to level up, cash in, or simply see what your neighbor might be making — this list is for you.
We’re talking six-figure roles, director seats, and high-skill positions across industries like healthcare, manufacturing, finance, and tech. No spam. No gimmicks. Just real jobs with real paychecks. We will feature critical public-service roles, as well. These folks deserve more than can ever be compensated.
🔎 Check out this week’s curated list:
👉 www.tolmoney.com/job-board
New roles added weekly. Bookmark it. Share it. Or shoot your shot and start negotiating like a pro.
From Falcons to the Dawg Pound: Harold Fannin Jr.

BGSU
Harold Fannin Jr. made college football history as the first tight end to lead the nation in receiving yards and catches, earning him the distinction of being the first tight end in FBS history named a conference’s overall player of the year. A two-time Group of Five first-team All-American and BGSU’s first-ever consensus All-American, Fannin was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. In 2024, he set single-season FBS records for a tight end with 1,555 receiving yards and 117 catches, and shattered bowl game marks with 213 yards against Arkansas State. He also holds multiple BGSU records and ranks top 10 all-time among FBS tight ends in receiving yards and catches. Here’s a look at his contract with the Browns.
Harold Fannin Jr. is stepping into the NFL with more than just accolades—he’s landing a four-year rookie deal worth $6.7 million, per Spotrac. Drafted in the third round, Fannin’s contract comes with a $1.5 million signing bonus and an average annual salary of $1.7 million. His payday is slotted, not negotiated, thanks to the NFL’s rookie wage scale—but it’s still a strong return for a tight end who just made college football history. How is that for “Toledo Wealth?”
From Cabernet to Cows | Cattle Creek’s Rural Reinvention
Cattle Creek Winery in Bryan, Ohio, has mastered the art of blending rustic charm with refined luxury. Once the Orchard Hills Country Club, this former golf course has been transformed into a culinary and entertainment hub, complete with a steakhouse, casual dining, and live events – all set against a backdrop of rolling farmland.
With three decades of farming experience, the owners have integrated their agricultural roots into the menu, serving up dishes made from their own beef and locally sourced ingredients. It’s a farm-to-table experience that’s as authentic as it is delicious – because why just drink wine when you can pair it with a steak from a cow you might have seen grazing on your drive in?
Cattle Creek’s approach is a masterclass in brand reinvention, turning a forgotten golf course into a destination for foodies, wine lovers, and live music fans alike. If you’re looking for a place that blends the best of Northwest Ohio’s agricultural heritage with modern amenities, this is it – just don’t expect to leave without a full belly and a good story to tell.
Money Confessional | Divorced Dad’s Playbook ($100k)
Age: Late 40s, early 50s.
Children: No longer paying child support, so I have a bit more financial and personal freedom these days. My kids are grown, which means more time for golf and a good cigar.
Living Situation: Own a modest home in Maumee. It’s paid off, which makes things a lot simpler. I wanted a place that felt like mine after the divorce, without the stress of a mortgage hanging over my head.
Job: Local school administrator. I spend my days supporting teachers, managing budgets, and trying to create an environment where students can thrive.
Salary: Around $100K, with decent benefits and a pension. Education isn’t a path to big money, but it’s stable, and I genuinely enjoy the work.
Salary Journey: Started as a high school teacher making around $40K, moved into administration after a decade in the classroom, and never looked back. It’s been a steady climb, but the security is worth it. Biggest tip? Go for the administrative track if you want to stay in education long-term.
Other Income: No real side hustles, but I’ve thought about getting a part-time gig at Third Street Cigars just for the fun of it. I also keep an eye on rental property listings, but haven’t pulled the trigger yet.
Work/Life Balance: Pretty solid. No more 7 AM bus duty or Friday night football game supervision. I can actually plan a long weekend without guilt.
On Your Mind: Retirement planning and whether I’m really on track to leave the workforce in my early 60s. Also, I still kick myself for not investing heavily during the COVID downturn—feels like a missed opportunity.
Debt: Just day-to-day expenses. No mortgage, no car payment, and I pay my credit cards off in full each month.
Credit Card: I use a Chase Sapphire Preferred for the points. I travel when I can, and the rewards add up.
Budgeting: I keep things pretty tight. I use NerdWallet for the calculators and tools, but mostly track my spending manually. I like to keep things simple and within my control.
Best/Worst Recurring Expense:
Best: My membership at Third Street Cigar in Waterville. Worth every penny for the conversations, camaraderie, and smoke.
Worst: Probably the streaming services I never use but keep forgetting to cancel.
Splurge: Golf outings and a really nice bottle of bourbon or scotch now and then.
Toledo Money Hack: Spend time with locals. Places like Mad Anthony’s in Waterville remind you that community isn’t just about networking—it’s about real conversations.
Toledo Restaurant: Benchmark. I go for the ribeye, medium rare, and a glass of something peaty.
Total Savings/Investments: About $250K, mostly in my state pension and a few conservative index funds. I subscribe to Ben Graham’s thoughts on investing—value over hype, patience over quick wins.
Savings Goal: Retirement at 62 with enough to keep playing golf, traveling a bit, and supporting the causes I care about.
Total Net Worth: Around $500K when you factor in the house, pension, and investments. My biggest regret? Not loading up on blue-chip stocks during the COVID downturn. I knew better, just didn’t act.
Personal Financial Freedom: About $1.5M. That would cover my basic needs, a bit of travel, and the occasional splurge without worry.
Retirement: Ideally at 62, but we’ll see. I want to be able to volunteer more, maybe teach a few classes, and spend more time at the Cherry Street Mission.
Toledo Wealthy: Anyone who can comfortably cover their bills, give back to the community, and still take a few nice trips each year. I’d say $2M+ puts you in that category.
Knowledge: Learned the basics from my parents, fine-tuned my approach through NerdWallet and Ben Graham’s writing. Also, just listening to the old-timers at the cigar lounge—those guys have seen a thing or two.
Money Snacks
Headlines we are snacking on
Ohio cracks the Top 10 for property tax structure—thanks to consistent assessments and no estate or inheritance tax. But if you own real estate in Northwest Ohio, you’ve felt the sting: rising property values and rising taxes. It’s a classic double-edged sword—your net worth goes up, and so does your tax bill.
Remember Silly Bandz—the colorful rubber bracelets kids wore like badges of honor? Behind that $200 million craze is Robert J. Croak, a savvy entrepreneur from Toledo, Ohio. His success with Sillybandz made him a household name for an entire generation (and probably the reason your kid’s backpack was always half rubber). A true Toledo original turning trends into empires.
Try this local twist on a popular savings hack: every time you get a $5 bill in change—whether it is from The Original Tony Packo’s or the Toledo Farmers’ Market—stash it away instead of spending it. One local entrepreneur told us he saved over $1800 last year just from $5 bills and used it for a weekend getaway in Hocking Hills. It’s an easy, low-effort way to build a micro-savings habit right here in Northwest Ohio.